Acupressure Therapy

Continuing with my article on various therapies of naturopathy, today I am writing about Acupressure therapy.

ACUPRESSURE

It is a form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, which run on the pressure principle-it literally translates as ‘finger pressure’. It is an alternative medicine technique based on the concept of life energy that flows through the ‘meridians’ in the body and is essentially a method of sending a signal to the body.

Acupressure is meant to work on your body when you find a block in its daily function, or certain bodily processes go off track. Consider acupressure as an effective form of stimulation, used to help relax the muscle and to sustain improvement with minimum recurrence of symptoms. In the treatment, physical pressure is applied to certain points with the aim of clearing blockages. It helps to correct function imbalances and restore flow, thus returning the body to a more natural state of well-being.

Acupressure is often called acupuncture without needles. Instead of needles acupressure is done by using the thumb, finger, or knuckle to apply gentle but firm pressure (usually with fingertips) to specific points on the body which influences the automatic nervous system. The pressure is usually increased for about 30 seconds, held steadily for 2 minutes, and then gradually decreased for 30 seconds. It is often repeated three to five times. According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, the body has vital energy called ‘chi’ or ‘qi’ that flows along invisible lines of energy flow called meridians. There are thought to be at least 14 meridians connecting our organs with other parts of our body. Acupressure points lie along these 14 meridians. If the flow qi is blocked at any point on a meridian, it is thought to be the cause of ailments and can lead to disease anywhere along the meridian. Acupressure is used both as a preventive, and therapeutic treatment. It helps alleviate fatigue and addresses musculoskeletal problems.

Benefits- This therapy stimulates the body’s circulatory, lymphatic, and hormonal systems. It helps relieve stress and anxiety, improves sleep, relaxes your muscles and joints, regulates digestive issues, minimizes headaches and migraines, and is also beneficial for back pains, and menstrual cramps. The therapeutic touch stimulates certain chemicals in the brain that boost the immune system to lift depression and relieve stress. It can also treat osteoarthritis, a quick relief to sprains, helping in treating rheumatic pains.

Risk factors/limitations– Some limitations/risk factors are mentioned below:

• It does not allow the treatment of different acupressure points together.
• Can not cure ailments related to the heart, brain, kidney, or liver completely.
• Acupressure during pregnancy has the potential to cause miscarriage and rubbing the wrong points might be a threat to the mother and baby.
• Therapy is generally not suggested for people suffering from osteoporosis, a recent fracture, or bleeding disorders.

Side effects– some people who opt for acupressure therapy might observe some or all the side effects mentioned below:

• Fatigue
• Light-headedness
• Soreness or bruising at acupressure points
• Muscle twitching.
• Emotional release.

Caution- There can be a delicate area in a muscle that causes generalized pain if overstimulated. Other cautions are listed below:

• Acupressure should never be painful. Let the practitioner know immediately if it hurts.
• It should not be done over open wounds, bruises, varicose veins, or any area that is damaged or inflated.
• It is advisable to get the acupressure done by a certified acupressure practitioner.
• Positive results from acupressure can be seen within one session or may need multiple, depending on the severity of your concern-it differs from case to case.

Positive results from acupressure can be seen within one session or may need multiple, depending on the severity of your concern-it differs from case to case.

I have a personal experience with this therapy, about 26 years back I suffered from spondylitis and  I was totally cured with the help of acupressure. I was taking two sessions per week and it went on for one year. No relapse after that.

Waiting for your views on this blog.

Anil Malik

Mumbai, India

8^th December 2022.